Once again, Esmark has chosen UCplus as its partner to strengthen the Danish language skills of its international employees.

Tailored Danish lessons ensure conversation skills and relevant vocabulary

Esmark’s employees come from many different countries and have varying levels of Danish proficiency. That is why the 31 participants have been divided into three groups based on their language skills. This ensures that the teaching is adapted to each individual’s needs and abilities.

One of the groups is an FVU (Preparatory Adult Education) class taught by UCplus language consultant Annemette Knudsen, who always focuses on making the lessons authentic.

“The participants in the FVU class already have a solid foundation in Danish, so we work with more advanced content. For example, we focus on words like sustainability, environment, and values. The next step is a visit to an Esmark holiday home, where

employees will practice a series of work-related situations. We try to include everyday tasks as often as possible because it makes the lessons more relevant and useful.”

All classes emphasize conversation practice, so employees gain the tools to participate more actively in everyday dialogue at Esmark. Participants work on expanding their vocabulary, so they feel more confident talking about their work tasks and events during a typical workday. For example, they practice naming items in holiday homes and the tools they use on the job – and are now juggling words like broom, fridge, and limescale remover. They also learn to talk about hobbies and the weekend, making it easier to engage in informal conversations with colleagues.

High Motivation

UCplus language consultant Ulla Fuusgaard Kumaraku, who teaches one of the other groups, explains that there is always a positive atmosphere in class and that the participants are very engaged:

“They show up every time, they’re happy, and they ask good questions. For example, they ask about Danish expressions they hear at work, and they want to understand how to use them.”

In addition to the language content, participants also gain insight into Danish work culture and have the opportunity to ask questions about situations they encounter in their daily lives. This strengthens both their language awareness and their understanding of the workplace environment.

“Each week, they understand more and more, and it’s clear they’re using what they’ve learned,” says Ulla Fuusgaard Kumaraku.

A strong partnership

Danish language training has become a fixed part of Esmark’s winter season. Stephanie Dittrich, HR Business Partner at Esmark, explains why the company continues to invest in the language development of its international employees:

“We prioritize the language upskilling of our international employees because we see it as an investment in both their personal development and the ongoing success of the company. Strong language skills lead to better communication and understanding, which is essential in our line of work where we interact daily with colleagues, guests, and homeowners. By ensuring our employees can express themselves clearly and precisely, we can deliver an even better service experience and strengthen team dynamics. It also demonstrates our commitment to creating an inclusive work environment where all employees have the opportunity to grow and thrive.”

Help your international employees learn Danish

UCplus offers a range of flexible solutions for Danish language training at the workplace. Lessons can take place at the company site, at the nearest language center, or online.

UCplus handles all coordination and provides skilled teachers who deliver Danish instruction tailored to the employees’ language levels.

It is possible to apply for compensation for lost work hours if classes are held during working time. UCplus also assists with this application process. Read more here

Learning Danish was the path into Danish society

When Isabella moved to Denmark in 2013, she made one decision: she would learn the language. Not just a little. She wanted to be able to use it, understand it – and feel at home in it. She joined a choir, listened to conversations in cafés, and forced herself to use three new words every single day. In just two weeks, she completed the first module, and she finished the entire Danish language program in only 10 months, whereas most people typically take two and a half years.

“Danish is a language without fixed rules – it was a big change for me. But it fascinated me. I had to find my own way into the language,” Isabella explains.

After teaching both German and Danish, Isabella noticed a job listing in 2016 that caught her interest: starting a new branch of UCplus Dansk in Sønderborg. She got the job – with no office and no students. On her first day, she dropped her computer and thought, “This is going to go terribly wrong.”

But a year later, she had 80 students, and today UCplus Language Center Sønderborg is the official provider of Danish language courses in Sønderborg Municipality. The language center on Sundsmarksvej is buzzing with activity, now that there are 755 students enrolled.

A new surname – and a strong connection to Denmark

Isabella started researching early on what was required to become a Danish citizen. She quickly felt more Danish than Austrian, and it became important for her to belong fully to the society she now calls home.

“I have a strong emotional connection to Denmark. It felt natural to take the step,” she says.

In 2019, she took the citizenship test and prepared thoroughly: she watched the entire TV series Historien om Danmark (The History of Denmark), followed the news, and listened to the radio. But even though she passed the test, she still had to wait four years before she could finally stand in the city council chamber in March 2025 and receive her citizenship.

As a final personal step, she chose to take a new surname. The Austrian “Farnleitner” was replaced by the Danish “Friis Johansen” – a decision that, for Isabella, is more than just practical.

“I feel more Danish than Austrian,” she says. “Denmark is my home, and it’s important for me to be part of it all – officially as well.”

About UCplus Sønderborg

UCplus Language Center Sønderborg is located at Sundsmarkvej 12A, 6400 Sønderborg.

The language center offers all levels of the official Danish Education programs (Danskuddannelse 1, 2, and 3) as well as FVU Danish courses.

Classes take place at the language center, online, and at companies and educational institutions, including SDU Sønderborg, SDU Esbjerg, and AAU Esbjerg.

All teachers have extensive experience guiding participants successfully through their courses and helping them achieve their goals. Our own goal is to help every participant get off to a great start in Denmark through high-quality Danish instruction.

Read more here

UCplus students explored Greenlandic art and practiced their Danish through conversations about art and culture. Photo: Private photo by Rikke Jørgensen.

Greenlandic Art in Denmark

The first UCplus Art Tour was held on January 25, where language consultant and curator Rikke Jørgensen guided students through the exhibition, which focuses on how Greenland has been portrayed in Danish art history – and how contemporary Greenlandic artists reflect on Danish art. The exhibition featured works by Greenlandic artist Ivínguak’ Stork Høegh displayed alongside works by four Danish artists who traveled to Greenland before 1940.

After the exhibition, the group gathered for a cup of coffee and a Danish-language discussion about a selected artwork from the exhibition, which they described to each other in Danish. The idea behind this new initiative is that encountering art can be an inspiring supplement to the language learning that takes place at the language center and that students can connect across different modules and classes.

New vocabulary and new friendships

Several participants commented that the art tour helped them with new vocabulary and opportunities to meet new people. One participant, who works as a professional artist at the Royal Danish Opera, said:

“My colleagues mostly speak English, so I’ve been lacking relevant Danish vocabulary related to my artistic work. It was a great help to learn new words in this context.”

Another participant added:

“I have missed a creative and artistic space where internationals can meet. Art opens up new conversations and raises questions in a different way, and it was truly inspiring.”

Next UCplus Art Tour Goes to Louisiana

The next UCplus Art Tour will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025. This time, the trip will go to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk, where you can experience the exhibition The Sea. Admission is free.

Would you like to join next time? See upcoming events here

Authors visit UCplus Language Center in the heart of Copenhagen

During the first months of 2025, UCplus will host several Danish authors at its Language Center on Gyldenløvesgade in Copenhagen. Here, students will have a unique opportunity to meet the authors and explore their works up close.

“I want to bring my background as an author into play,” says Janus Kodal, who has 30 years of experience as a writer. “Authors provide the raw material for language, text, and speech, and it’s important that we give students access to Danish culture through literature.”

The authors will read from their books, share the stories behind them, and engage in dialogues with the students. The first guest in January will be author and cultural journalist Lucia Odoom. Her novel Cosmos takes readers on a journey through the themes global inequality, friendship, and love. With Ghanaian roots, Lucia Odoom has established herself as a prominent voice in the fight against racism, and her unique perspective on culture and literature will launch the project.

In March, the humorous author and poet Henrik Palle will visit the Language Center. Known as a cultural journalist at Politiken, he brings sharp and humorous insights into life during the pandemic and in Copenhagen through his collection Late Poems. His ability to capture everyday moments will undoubtedly captivate the students.

Language and Culture Go Hand in Hand

For Janus Kodal, it is crucial to connect students with Danish culture. “We want to present a diversity of literature—both books that speak directly to our target group and literature reflecting contemporary Danish culture,” he explains. “My hope is that

students not only learn Danish but are also inspired to read more Danish literature or even write their own stories.”

He also emphasizes the importance of introducing students to literature they might not otherwise encounter. “When you come to Denmark, there’s often so much practical stuff to handle that culture can take a backseat. With this project, we hope to open the door to literature and provide students with a broader perspective on Denmark,” he says.

Facts About “Learn Danish Through Literature”

The project is supported by the Danish Arts Foundation. The author visits will take place in the lounge at UCplus Language Center on Gyldenløvesgade.

The events are open for everyone, and not exclusive to students of the Language Center:

Wednesday, January 8, at 5 PM: Meet Lucia Odoom

Author Lucia Odoom presents her novel Cosmos—a story about global inequality, friendship, and love. Lucia Odoom is a cultural journalist and author with Ghanaian roots. In 2020, she received the Edvard Prize and was named Radio Personality of the Year for her efforts against racism.

Wednesday, March 5, at 5 PM: Meet Henrik Palle

Poet Henrik Palle reads and shares insights about his Late Poems—humorous reflections on life in Copenhagen and during the pandemic. Henrik Palle is a cultural journalist at the Danish newspaper Politiken.

All events will take place in the lounge at Gyldenløvesgade 11.

No registration required.

Explore all UCplus events here

Chuying from China and Leonie from Germany were the lucky winners of MacBooks in UCplus’ welcome competition for international students.

Denmark is a popular choice for students from around the world

Leonie, 19, from Flensburg, Germany, and Chuying, 27, from Lanzhou, China, have both chosen to spend part of their studies in Denmark. Leonie, who is studying Economics and Business Administration at SDU Sønderborg, was drawn to Danish culture and the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.

“I have always felt safe and comfortable in Denmark, and SDU in Sønderborg felt like the right choice. When I visited the university for the first time, everyone was so welcoming, and I immediately felt it would be a great place to study.”

For Chuying, who studies Electrical Engineering at DTU in Lyngby, the decision to study in Copenhagen and learn Danish was an investment in her future, as she plans to work in Denmark after completing her degree.

Learning Danish opens doors

Learning Danish was an important decision for both Leonie and Chuying. Leonie says she sees it as a natural part of integrating into Danish society.

“When I move to a new country, I want to speak the language and understand the culture. For me, it’s about respect and gaining a deeper understanding of the country I live in. I want to stay here after my studies, and therefore I need the language skills,” she says.

For Chuying, the decision to start Danish classes was motivated by both practical and social reasons.

“Everything from road signs to supermarket items is in Danish, and it’s impractical to rely on Google Translate. Plus, I want to be able to communicate with my Danish friends.”

The Best Things About Denmark

Leonie and Chuying agree that their experiences in Denmark have been filled with positive impressions and new friendships.

“The Danish lessons are really fun and educational. Our teacher makes the classes interesting with lots of different activities, and we also learn a lot about Danish culture,” says Leonie.

Chuying adds: “My teacher is friendly and patient, and we practice speaking, reading, and writing in Danish. It’s fun to learn, and I’ve also made new friends in the course.”

Danish Classes Help You Master the Language

Are you an international student – or just new to Denmark? Do you also want to learn Danish and join the UCplus community?

We offer the three official Danish language programs, giving you access to official exams and a great start in Denmark. The programs are offered at three levels, and each level consists of six modules. You will be placed in the level that matches your educational background and qualifications.

Read more about the Danish language programs and sign up here.

Learning Danish in different settings

Language consultant Rikke Jepsen teaches a group of DU1 students (The Danish Education programme 1). For many, it has been a long time since they last attended school, and the group spans a wide age range. The students come from countries such as Ukraine, Eritrea, China, and Lithuania, and for them, learning Danish is not the only challenge—they also need to develop learning strategies and understand Danish culture.

They attend Danish classes twice a week from 8:15 AM-to 2:45 PM, which can feel like a long time for some. To make the days more varied and provide the best support, Rikke puts effort into planning diverse activities for the students.

To introduce them to different aspects of Danish culture, Rikke organizes small excursions. One of these was a recent visit to the Silkeborg Library, where the students learned about the many opportunities a modern Danish library offers.

An important introduction to Danish Culture and Society

The library visit was an eye-opener for the students, who discovered that a library in Denmark is much more than just books. “I wanted to show them what a Danish library can offer and explain that it’s part of our welfare system, funded through taxes,” explains Rikke Jepsen.

The students visited the section for easy-reading books and were allowed to choose books for themselves. Many immediately sat down and began reading with great concentration.

“Their joy in choosing books themselves and their pride in being able to read something in Danish has strengthened the team spirit within the group. The library trip has kickstarted their desire to read, which boosts both their linguistic confidence and social bonds,” says Rikke Jepsen.

Language Center Director Sarah S. Johnsen is thrilled that the center makes use of the local resources. Not only does it help students practice their Danish, but it also supports their integration into the community.

“The visit to Silkeborg Library is an example of how excursions can enrich Danish lessons and provide students with a better understanding of both the language and Danish culture. This is a focus area for all UCplus Language Centers, as it encourages students’ motivation to learn Danish.”

About UCplus Language Center Silkeborg

The language center offers Danish lessons at all levels of the official Danish Education program, both at the center on Dalgasgade, in local businesses, and online. This means you can participate in the program wherever and whenever it suits you best.

The program is offered at three levels, each consisting of six modules. You will be placed at the level that matches your years of schooling and qualifications.

If you want to get started, call us at +45 3127 4540